What is the ONLY whole number that is NOT a natural number?
Answer (2)
Understand that whole numbers include 0 and all positive integers, while natural numbers include only positive integers.
Compare the sets of whole numbers and natural numbers.
Identify the number that is a whole number but not a natural number.
The only whole number that is not a natural number is 0 .
Explanation
Understanding Whole and Natural Numbers We are asked to identify the whole number that is not a natural number. Let's first define what whole numbers and natural numbers are.
Defining Whole Numbers Whole numbers are the set of non-negative integers, which means they include 0 and all positive integers: 0, 1, 2, 3, ...
Defining Natural Numbers Natural numbers are the set of positive integers, starting from 1: 1, 2, 3, ...
Identifying the Difference Comparing the two sets, we see that the only number present in the set of whole numbers but not in the set of natural numbers is 0.
Final Answer Therefore, the only whole number that is not a natural number is 0 .
Examples
In everyday life, whole numbers and natural numbers are fundamental for counting and basic arithmetic. For example, if you have a basket of apples, the number of apples in the basket is a whole number. If the basket is empty, you have 0 apples. However, natural numbers come into play when you start counting individual items; you can have 1 apple, 2 apples, and so on. The concept of 'zero' as a whole number is crucial in many areas, such as balancing accounts or measuring temperatures below zero.
The only whole number that is not a natural number is 0. Whole numbers include 0 and positive integers, while natural numbers start from 1. Thus, 0 is the only whole number absent from the natural numbers set.
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